Princeton to give full consideration for current applicants suspended for gun-reform protests

Applicants are encouraged to submit an explanatory note

Two weeks after the deadly shootings at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School instigated a renewed wave of demonstrations across the country, Princeton University joins a growing list of colleges to explicitly state a full-consideration policy for students suspended for gun-reform protests.

"Students who act on their conscience in peaceful, principled protest will receive full consideration in our admissions process," the statement reads.

Students who were disciplined are encouraged to augment their application to Princeton with a statement that addresses the situation, the statement added.

Other colleges including American University and Brown University have similarly expressed support for applicants who are suspended for gun-reform related demonstrations.

Since Feb. 14th, high school students around the country have organized rallies, sit-ins, and walkouts from their classes voicing their desire for gun reform. Over 18 school shootings have occurred this year.

The official statement on the Princeton admissions website is as follows:

"In the wake of recent plans for peaceful protests by high school students related to the ongoing gun control debate, we have received a number of inquiries about how Princeton University’s admission office treats high school disciplinary sanctions that might be imposed in response to such activity. Princeton University’s mission is to advance learning through scholarship, research, and teaching of unsurpassed quality, with a proud and demonstrated commitment to serve the nation and the world. Students who act on their conscience in peaceful, principled protest will receive full consideration in our admissions process.

Many forms of peaceful protest are fully consistent with the rules of American high schools, and we have no reason to suppose that such protests will result in disciplinary action. If students are disciplined by their high school, they will be encouraged to augment their application to Princeton with a statement that addresses why they were moved to protest and why they were subject to discipline.

We require such an additional statement from any student applicant who has received a penalty from their high school because of a disciplinary infraction. We evaluate such statements in the light of all relevant circumstances, including the character of the student conduct involved and the school’s justification for disciplining it."

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